Hydrogen
Tosoh unveils hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte to boost hydrogen production
PEM water electrolysis has emerged as a leading method for clean hydrogen production
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By ICN Bureau | January 17, 2026
Tosoh Corporation has announced a breakthrough in hydrogen energy technology with the development of a hydrocarbon‑based polymer electrolyte for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolysis systems.
With global demand for hydrogen rising as part of the push toward carbon neutrality, PEM water electrolysis has emerged as a leading method for clean hydrogen production. But traditional PEM systems rely on fluorinated polymer membranes, which pose environmental concerns and limit efficiency due to low gas barrier properties.
Tosoh’s new hydrocarbon-based polymer electrolyte promises to change that. According to the company, the material delivers “superior proton conductivity, higher gas barrier properties and lower hydrated state swelling” compared with conventional fluorinated membranes.
“We anticipate that the use of our material to fabricate electrolyte membranes will improve the efficiency and durability of water electrolysis systems,” Tosoh said.
The company also highlighted the material’s versatility: its proprietary molecular structure “can be flexibly modified to meet customized requirements.”
Tosoh has begun supplying samples to select users and is accelerating evaluations ahead of a planned market launch. The company continues its research and development to further advance PEM water electrolysis technology and support the transition to a carbon‑neutral society.
PEM water electrolysis works by electrochemically splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using a polymer electrolyte membrane. Proton conductivity—the movement of hydrogen ions within an electric field—is key to system efficiency.
Meanwhile, lower swelling in the hydrated state improves durability, making Tosoh’s material a promising step forward for industrial-scale hydrogen production.
